Experimental Study of Hardening Small Strain Model Parameters for Strata Typical of Zhengzhou and Their Application in Foundation Pit Engineering

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The manuscript presents a series of laboratory tests for obtaining the HSS model parameters. Statistical analysis was employed to establish the empirical relationship among the main parameters. Furthermore, a three-dimensional finite element model was developed based on engineering examples of typical strata. This research work has very important engineering practical value, the method and the results are fully demonstrated. It should be accepted for the Journal after the following comments are carefully considered.

 (1) The core innovation point of the whole paper is not clear, please continue to condense.

(2) The section of 4.1 (Establishment of finite element model) can be explained in more detail.

(3) Figure 13 in lines 335 and 337 should be Figure 12, please check and modify.

Author Response

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Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

This study focuses on investigating the typical strata in the Zhengzhou area. The research includes conducting laboratory tests to determine the HSS model parameters and establish an empirical relationship between the key parameters of these typical strata. Furthermore, a three-dimensional finite element model, utilizing the HSS model, is created. This model is then utilized to analyze the deformation characteristics during the excavation of a foundation pit and explore how variations in HSS model parameters affect the pit's deformation. Following revisions/suggestions to be considered.

1. In table 1, model parameters can be named along with the symbols to provide clarity to the reader.

2. The strata column in table 2 requires correct naming as indicated in the text of the manuscript.

3. Check for spellings in Table 3.

4. In section 4.1, "Specifically, a soil nailing wall combined with soil nailing is used in the upper section, while a combination of bored piles and prestressed anchor rods is utilized in the lower section for composite support" can be rephrased.

5.In Figure 10. Three-dimensional finite element model of foundation pit., better clarity can be provided if the layers are indicated along with the supporting structure. 

6. It is suggested that the units are to be maintained as per SI unit only. Table 6 to be rechecked.

7. In section 4.4.2. Sensitivity analysis of different parameters, in phrase "After increasing m by 50 % and decreasing m by 50 %, it can be seen from..", m must be defined initially for better clarity.

  

 

 

Comments on the Quality of English Language

Minor corrections wit respect to spellings must be checked. The quality of English seems to be fine and understandable.

Author Response

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Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

In the present article, the authors have performed a series of laboratory tests to determine the parameters of the HSS model for the typical strata in the Zhengzhou area. The 3D FE model has been developed using the HSS model to analyze the deformation characteristics during the excavation process of the foundation pit. Please find the below review comments which may help the authors to improve the quality of the manuscript.

1.     Typo error in column 1 of Table 2.

2.     How the flow potential of the yield surface is computed using the Plaxis 3D computational software?

3.     How does the dilation of the soil affect the behavior of the present numerical model?

4.     As the Plaxis 3D computational analysis is an important part of the study, it is recommended to explain all the minor details of the analysis which may help the young researchers to follow your research.

5.     What are the boundary conditions applied in the present numerical analysis for specified loading conditions?

6.     Mention details of mesh size, the shape of the finite element, the number of elements employed, etc. in the research article as this is an important part of the study.

7.     Was a sensitivity analysis performed to confirm that model convergence was achieved with the selected mesh size?

8.     Please mention all the supporting systems including soil nails, full bonded anchor rods, soil nail walls, sheet piles, crown beams, waist beams, etc. in Figure 10. The clarity of Figure 10 should be improved.

9.     The authors should add more numerical modeling pictures phase-wise for a better explanation to the readers of the scientific society.

10.  How the initial stress field has been employed in the present numerical model?

11.  The conclusion part may be improved.

12.  References to be re-checked.

 

 

 

 

Comments on the Quality of English Language

It may be improved.

Author Response

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Reviewer 4 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The manuscript has a relatively acceptable flow and structure overall. It seems to offer a practical approach for the construction industry especially with respect to the application of hardening small-strain in foundation pit engineering. It also seems to have an interesting topic for the readers; however, there are a number of issues throughout the entire manuscript that need to be fixed. The following points are some of the most significant issues that this reviewer recommend the authors to take into account to enhance the quality and writing of the manuscript:

 

The authors may need to further elaborate on the previous research on the topic of applying “hardening small-strain” in relation to foundation pit engineering to clarify it for readers.

The authors may need to further elaborate the methods used in the construction industry for Controlling the impact of excavation construction on the surrounding environment especially in relation to utility hardening small-strain.

References used throughout the entire manuscript can be further expanded. The authors may need to add a couple of more scientific research studies relevant to the manuscript’s topic to enhance its quality, especially from a scientific perspective.

The authors may need to provide further justifications for their claims on the manuscript’s contribution to the body of knowledge. It is necessary to prove the innovation of this research and its main contribution to the body of knowledge.

The explanations around the influence of small strain parameters on the deformation of foundation pit need further elaboration.

A discussion section may be added to incorporate additional analyses and subsequent explanations.

The authors may need to further mention the limitations of their study in the conclusion section.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

Moderate editing of English language may be required.

Author Response

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Round 2

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Authors incorporated all necessary comments. Following minor changes required in figures. 

1. Fig-1 is not clear. Replace with good quality image.

2. All figures requires clarity. Please check & take appropriate action.

 

Comments on the Quality of English Language

Moderate editing of English language required

Author Response

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Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The authors have incorporated all the review comments. The article may be accepted. 

Comments on the Quality of English Language

It may be improved. 

Author Response

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Reviewer 4 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Thank you for providing the revision. The manuscript looks good to me now.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

Minor editing of English language may required.

Author Response

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